Have you ever started your usual makeup routine but then felt unsure which step comes first? Maybe you’re torn between starting with concealer or foundation or wondering if primer should go on before moisturizer. If this sounds familiar, you’re not the only one. A proper makeup routine can feel like a mind-bending puzzle when the order isn’t clear.
Conversely, once you know the correct glam sequence, everything will just instantly click. Your base will look smoother and the whole look will stay on much longer. That’s what this guide is here to show you. Instead of constantly guessing, you’ll see exactly how each step builds on the last. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have created a flawless look regardless of what you’re going for.
The Proper Makeup Routine for the Face
A smooth base ensures an even and seamless layering. Once you follow the correct
primer to contour sequence, the rest of the routine will fall into place.
Step 1: Primer
Applying primer smooths the texture and helps makeup grip better. Spread a thin layer and
give it a minute to set. A tinted moisturizer instead of the usual foundation can work as well.
Step 2: Foundation
Once the primer sets, move on to the foundation. You can use a sponge, brush, or your
fingers to blend the product. If you prefer lighter coverage, opt for BB or CC cream.
Step 3: Concealer
Foundation hides most imperfections but a concealer offers more coverage. Apply it
under the eyes to brighten dark circles, then blend smoothly. Use it on blemishes or redness that
peeks through the foundation.
Step 4: Setting Powder
Powder is essential for locking in your makeup base. Without it, heat and humidity can
melt away your foundation. Using a fluffy brush, press powder lightly across the face and
focus on the T-zone areas.
Step 5: Blush or Bronzer
Add warmth and color to bring life back into your skin. Apply blush to the apples of your
cheeks and blend outward. If you like a sun-kissed effect, sweep the bronzer along your
cheeks, temples, and jawline for a more natural glow.
Step 6: Contour and Highlight
Contouring adds a shadowy effect that makes the cheekbones and jawline appear
more sculpted. Additionally, highlighting brightens areas that catch light such as
the tops of cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Together, both steps give your face
more definition.
Proper Makeup Routine for the Eyes
With your base complete, it’s time to focus on the eyes. Palettes, liner, and brow products
can feel overwhelming, but when applied in order they define your look without clashing.
This step adds the detail and depth that balances the face.
Step 7: Eyebrows
Well-shaped brows frame your face and help balance your features. Fill in sparse areas
using a brow pencil, powder, or pomade. After filling, brush through to blend, then finish
with brow gel or mascara to hold the hairs in place.
Step 8: Eyeshadow Primer
Eyelids naturally produce oil, which can cause eyeshadow to crease. An eyeshadow primer
keeps pigment vibrant and intact for hours. If you don’t own one, a concealer is a great backup.
Step 9: Eyeshadow
Start with a neutral base on your lids, blend a darker shade into the crease, and highlight
the brow bone or the eyes’ inner corners. Matte, shimmer, or metallic finishes all look great
as long as you blend the colors properly.
Step 10: Eyeliner
An eyeliner defines the “windows to your soul” and makes lashes look fuller. Apply it along
the lash line or practice a cat eye style on your lid for a sharper look. Perfecting eyeliner
takes practice, so don’t stress if it doesn’t turn out flawless right away!
Step 11: Mascara
Curl your lashes first then apply two to three coats of mascara for extra length and volume.
You can also add a light coat to the lower lashes.
Step 12: False Lashes (Optional)
False lashes are best reserved for special occasions. Apply them after finishing your
mascara to help blend your natural lashes seamlessly with the falsies.
Proper Makeup Routine for the Lips
After the eyes are done, the lips complete the picture. Your lipstick might crack or feather
if you skip the prep part. Follow this routine below for a smoother texture and better grip.
Step 13: Lip Liner
A lip liner helps prevent your chosen color from feathering and gives your lips more shape
and fullness. Outline just outside your natural lip line for extra volume or stick to your natural line
for a neat finish.
Step 14: Lip Color
Apply your favorite lipstick or gloss to complete the look. Whether you prefer bold red
or a soft nude, this is the final step to achieve plumper lips.
Proper Makeup Routine for a Flawless Finish
Nothing’s worse than watching your hard work on your face, eyes, and lips fade by lunchtime.
A dust of powder or a spritz of spray keeps the layers all set and locked in longer.
Step 15: Finishing Powder
While setting powder holds your foundation in place, finishing powder blurs out the
pores and fine lines for a photo-ready finish. Choose a translucent formula and apply
lightly to avoid a white cast in flash photos.
Step 16: Setting Spray
Finish with a mist of setting spray to lock in the makeup. Depending on the formula,
this can also create a dewy or matte finish.
These sixteen steps for a proper makeup routine may sound overwhelming, but then again, you don’t need to apply all of them all every day. Tailor the routine to your schedule and your skin. What matters most is following the correct glam order to make every product layer seamlessly on top of each other.
FAQs
1. Do I really need every step in the proper makeup routine?
No, think of it as a toolkit. You can scale down for everyday wear or add more steps when you want a polished, complete look.
2. Can I swap concealer and foundation in the order?
Some artists do concealer first, but most recommend foundation first. This saves product and avoids wiping away your concealer.
3. What if I don’t own primer or finishing powder?
That’s fine. You can still create a smooth base by hydrating well and setting your look with a light dusting of powder you already own.
Every flawless look starts with a sequence. Which step feels non-negotiable in your routine?
